Edwin Field

The Field family may have originated in Connecticut but with 5 generations of Californians they are about as native as the Spanish Vaqueros. John C Field was born in Downieville, CA in 1850 and moved to Santa Barbara when he was 9 years old predating even Al Loomis in Ventura County.

His father Edwin learned the fine art of engraving (according to his grandson Edwin G) from Tiffany. John C, with his sister Rita and brother Frank carried on the family tradition of unique hand made bits and spurs passing the torch to John’s sons Edwin D, and Frank F Field. Edwin D passed on the torch to 2 of his sons Edwin G and Walter Field. About 1934 the three of them began making bits and spurs for a diversified clientele in the Santa Barbara vicinity. Their bits in particular, were prized by the many ranchers in the County, and the Field Brothers would custom-make the most elaborate or basic style to a horseman's specifications and needs. Field's engraving is quite distinctive and unlike any other, easily recognizable by its tiny 'circle' patterns and often accompanied on bits with stamped floral conchos.